MU 526A - Kodály Training Program - Level I

The course serves as a foundation for the teaching philosophy and approaches of Hungarian music educator, Zoltán Kodály. Components of the course include: pedagogy, folksong literature, folksong analysis and retrieval, Solfège, conducting, and choir. The Level 1 course focuses on work with beginning level students yet participants may adapt this information to any music teaching situation. Students in this course:

observe, practice, and refine teaching techniques in a laboratory setting of peers and children

build a collection of authentic folksong literature appropriate and of strong quality for use in music instruction

analyze music literature appropriate for a beginning music curriculum, including American folk music, traditional children's songs and games, folk music from other countries and cultures, and art music

organize a categorization system, known as a retrieval system whereby students can quickly and accurately select appropriate song literature for lesson planning

explore the role of the conductor as communicator by learning conducting techniques and essential ensemble directing skills